When it comes to managing DNS records for your domain, the process depends on where your DNS is hosted. This is determined by where your nameservers are pointing. Here’s a breakdown of where you might manage your DNS settings:
- If Your Domain is Registered with GoDaddy and Using GoDaddy Nameservers:
- You’ll manage your DNS settings directly within your GoDaddy account.
- If Your Domain is Not Registered with GoDaddy but Using GoDaddy Nameservers:
- Even if your domain is registered elsewhere, if it uses GoDaddy nameservers, you’ll still manage your DNS settings in your GoDaddy account. This situation is common if you host your website with GoDaddy or use their DNS hosting services.
- If Your Domain is Registered Elsewhere and Not Using GoDaddy Nameservers:
- In this case, you won’t manage your DNS through GoDaddy. Instead, you’ll need to handle DNS settings with the provider where your nameservers are hosted.
If your DNS is managed through GoDaddy, here’s a quick guide to adding, editing, or deleting different types of DNS records:
Key DNS Records You Can Manage
- A Record:
- This is the most essential DNS record, linking your domain to an IP address, which directs visitors to your website.
- Actions: Add / Edit / Delete
- Subdomain:
- Subdomains use a prefix added to your main domain name, like blog.yourdomain.com. You can create subdomains with various records, including A records (pointing to an IP address), CNAME records (pointing to another domain or URL), or MX records (for email).
- Actions: Add / Edit / Delete
- CNAME Record:
- This record is used to create aliases for your domain. A CNAME can’t point to an IP address; it only points to another domain or URL. For instance, you might create a CNAME for store.yourdomain.com that redirects to a Shopify store.
- Actions: Add / Edit / Delete
- MX Record:
- MX records manage your email delivery, ensuring your emails reach the correct inbox. Different email services require specific MX records, which are often set up automatically when you use GoDaddy for email.
- Actions: Add / Edit / Delete
- TXT Record:
- TXT records are used for various purposes, including verifying domain ownership and setting up email sender policies like SPF.
- Actions: Add / Edit / Delete
- SPF Record:
- A specific type of TXT record that helps prevent email spoofing by specifying which mail servers are authorized to send emails on behalf of your domain.
- Actions: Add / Edit / Delete
- NS Record:
- NS (Nameserver) records indicate which nameservers are authoritative for your domain. If your domain isn’t registered with GoDaddy but you’re managing DNS through GoDaddy, you’ll need to use these records.
- Actions: Add / Edit / Delete
Additional Tips and Resources
- Premium DNS: For more advanced DNS features, you might consider upgrading to GoDaddy’s Premium DNS service.
- Domain Forwarding: If you need to redirect your domain to another website, setting up domain forwarding is a quick way to ensure visitors land on the right page.
- Website Building and Email Setup: If you’re looking to build your own website or set up an email address with your domain, GoDaddy offers a range of tools and services to help you get started.